Trevor Steven: A spy grandfather, Rangers glory and life after football

Former England, Everton, and Rangers midfielder Trevor Steven has reflected on his family history, decorated playing career, and struggles after retirement. Steven recently learned that his grandfather, Captain Gibson Ferrier Steven, served as a secret wartime intelligence operative monitoring German naval communications. During his career, Steven won major honors with Everton, Rangers, and Marseille, but faced significant mental health challenges and a loss of direction once injuries forced him to retire at age 33.

After enduring depression and personal difficulties post-retirement, Steven found a new purpose leading the mental health initiative Mindflow with Causeway Technologies. The 63-year-old now visits construction sites alongside former players such as Clayton Blackmore and Paul Stewart, drawing parallels between the macho culture of football dressing rooms and construction environments to help workers address mental health struggles.